Does Washington Sundar have the potential to be India's Steve Smith ?

[rangeelaraja]

Smith too started off as a spinner before becoming a beastly test batsman.

 

Sundar's technique, temperament, ability to play shots when needed is so damn good - I would like him to be honed as a permanent fixture in the batting line up in Tests.

 

If Sundar is dropped in favor of tried and tested old hags - we would be losing out on someone potentially as good as Steve Smith the test batter.

 

It may sound as exaggeration - but Sundar is that good.

 

He should be getting all the help and support needed to transition to top 6 test batsman in India's line up.

 

More important than anything - he is a typical disciplined middle class Tamilian who has a deep desire. 

 

He cannot be corrupted by RAT's filthy glamour/PR world.

Edited March 5, 2021 by rangeelaraja

[putrevus]

Let him become a good test batsman before comparing to Best test batsman since Don Bradman in Smith.

[rangeelaraja]

13 minutes ago, putrevus said:

Let him become a good test batsman before comparing to Best test batsman since Don Bradman in Smith.

 

 

He already has 3 clutch 50's in a mere 6 test innings for India.  Are you still doubting that he is a "good" batsman ?

 

He has extraordinary potential.

[zen]

I was probably the first one who said Sundar should be tried in tests (see the thread with such a title) 

 

At times, it can be easy for a newcomer to perform as he could be in good form and opposition would have not analyzed his game in detail. Once his game is analyzed and how he comes back would determine his long term success. As a specialist batsman, you also have the pressure to perform consistently with the bat

 

At this point, he should focus on his bowling too as then he can also make it to the side as the 2nd spinner in future while continuing to improve his batting 

Edited March 5, 2021 by zen

[gattaca]

Sundar for me is future captain his calmness in tough situations is really great. I have never seen such a young player being so calm. I called this in multiple match threads. He just need to tighten his cut shot a bit. 

Edited March 5, 2021 by gattaca

[express bowling]

Sundar started off as an opening batsman. So, the Smith comparison is not apt.

 

He has the potential to be a 47+ averaging batsman in test cricket.

 

Can play both pace and spin ... knows where his off stump is and leaves the ball well ... plays the ball under his eyes ... is good both on the front foot and off the back foot ... has most shots in the book.  

 

Plus has a very good temperament.

 

Very very promising batsman.

[Sgattick10]

I will be disappointed if he doesn't avg 45+ in test cricket in years to come.. Provided he is given a long run. I would have him either as an opener or in Rahane's position. 

[putrevus]

17 minutes ago, rangeelaraja said:

 

 

He already has 3 clutch 50's in a mere 6 test innings for India.  Are you still doubting that he is a "good" batsman ?

 

He has extraordinary potential.

yes he has potential, if he does this well. He could  be number 6 for India who can bowl few overs for home tests.Away series I don't he will fit into the team yet.

[Vijy]

9 minutes ago, express bowling said:

Sundar started off as an opening batsman. So, the Smith comparison is not apt.

 

He has the potential to be a 47+ averaging batsman in test cricket.

 

Can play both pace and spin ... knows where his off stump is and leaves the ball well ... plays the ball under his eyes ... is good both on the front foot and off the back foot ... has most shots in the book.  

 

Plus has a very good temperament.

 

Very very promising batsman.

He is reasonably adept at handling pace/bounce and spin. Moreover, he has commendable temperament. My only question is what he would do against the swinging ball, but many others have the same weakness. Based on the 4 tests I've seen him, looks to be a better prospect than Gill and Shaw (both of whom are very good too, but with clear chinks).

[sandeep]

47 minutes ago, express bowling said:

Sundar started off as an opening batsman. So, the Smith comparison is not apt.

 

He has the potential to be a 47+ averaging batsman in test cricket.

 

Can play both pace and spin ... knows where his off stump is and leaves the ball well ... plays the ball under his eyes ... is good both on the front foot and off the back foot ... has most shots in the book.  

 

Plus has a very good temperament.

 

Very very promising batsman.

 

Exactly.  Forget the comparisons, why bring in anybody else into the conversation.  Smith has done what he has, in his space.  Let's stick to Sundar and how good a prospect he is.  

 

I love Washi's batting method, and his temperament.  His bowling is underrated and a bonus.  For me, he has displaced Vihari already as the 1st choice for the 6th batsman spot in the test squad.  Regardless of where we are playing.  

 

I am more than a bit pessimistic about India's chances in the next ODI WC at home - but if we have a fully fit and firing Hardik, and Washington available in the team, with a couple of years of ODI experience batting at 5 and 6, then our chances start looking up.  

[ViruDilSeKhelo]

1 hour ago, express bowling said:

Sundar started off as an opening batsman. So, the Smith comparison is not apt.

 

He has the potential to be a 47+ averaging batsman in test cricket.

 

Can play both pace and spin ... knows where his off stump is and leaves the ball well ... plays the ball under his eyes ... is good both on the front foot and off the back foot ... has most shots in the book.  

 

Plus has a very good temperament.

 

Very very promising batsman.

 

 

And he's ended Hanumaji's career in tests home and away, rightly so but Hanuma was an honest gritty trier but this kid is just too correct. Need to bat him higher up and see if he can get 100s and I believe so. Next game he should come at number 7 if we play at home, he's better than Ashwin even if he recently made a 100.

Edited March 5, 2021 by ViruDilSeKhelo

[Vilander]

Guy is calm, if his bowling improves he can replace Jadeja or if he continues his batting he can replace a lower middle order batsman - otherwise i dont see how he fits in with Jadeja and Pandya. 

[sandeep]

14 minutes ago, sarchasm said:

Could be the first batsman of substance to come from nadu land!

WV Raman looks at you angrily.

[vvvslaxman]

Smith is very natural and unorthodox. You can say gifted. Ugly alright but gifted.  Sundar one the other hand is  a very orthodox batsman. He likes to play more shots than Smith.  There are some loose aspects that he needs addressing. Mentally he is already there. 

[Sandeep99]

I see him as the future number 5 and captain of the team. Too good a player. Technically perfect and mentally strong and high awareness. Funny how destiny can land you at the right place at the right time. We should be thankful for all the injuries and absentees on Australian tour else we could have never realized the potential of this lad.

[Vijy]

14 minutes ago, Sandeep99 said:

I see him as the future number 5 and captain of the team. Too good a player. Technically perfect and mentally strong and high awareness. Funny how destiny can land you at the right place at the right time. We should be thankful for all the injuries and absentees on Australian tour else we could have never realized the potential of this lad.

Dunno about captaincy but I agree he could be no. 5. In fact, given the technical failings of all our openers (e.g., Mayank, Shaw, Gill, KLR), it's possible he could become an opening batsman who bowls a bit. Shastri started off as a bowler and avg 40+ as opener and Washer is more talented.

Edited March 5, 2021 by Vijy

[Jay]

Just love this beast of a kid 

 

[BacktoCricaddict]

3 hours ago, sandeep said:

 

Exactly.  Forget the comparisons, why bring in anybody else into the conversation.  Smith has done what he has, in his space.  Let's stick to Sundar and how good a prospect he is.  

 

I love Washi's batting method, and his temperament.  His bowling is underrated and a bonus.  For me, he has displaced Vihari already as the 1st choice for the 6th batsman spot in the test squad.  Regardless of where we are playing.  

 

I am more than a bit pessimistic about India's chances in the next ODI WC at home - but if we have a fully fit and firing Hardik, and Washington available in the team, with a couple of years of ODI experience batting at 5 and 6, then our chances start looking up.  

Word.  

 

I appreciate Vihari and will be ever grateful to him for his courage in Sydney, but if there was a choice, Sundar will be it - 100 out of 100 times.  

[BacktoCricaddict]

2 hours ago, sandeep said:

WV Raman looks at you angrily.

Sundar is Raman on steroids - figuratively speaking.  Same elegance.  Look similar while batting, but boy, what he has meant for this team - no comparison.  

[R!TTER]

4 hours ago, Vilander said:

if his bowling improves he can replace Jadeja

What